Six months ahead of the event itself, event organizers are preparing to launch the 2012 American Cancer Society (ACS) Relay for Life of Pope and Yell counties fundraising campaign.

A kickoff rally will begin at 5:30 p.m. Nov. 14 at First United Methodist Church.

“The rally will feature speakers from the community who have benefited from the funds raised at Relay For Life and will honor cancer survivors,” a press release provided by event organizers stated.

The rally will also provide the first opportunity for teams to register and select a campsite for the 24-hour event that begins May 11, 2012 at Russellville High School’s Cyclone Stadium.

Johnna Walker, co-chair for the upcoming Relay event, said fundraising starts early because it allows teams to spread their fundraising efforts out over time.

“Just little by little it adds up,” she said. “It’s incredible how much they can raise just a little at a time.”

The annual Relay has become a huge fundraiser for cancer research and awareness in the Arkansas River Valley, raising more than $180,000 at this year’s event, event co-chair Linda Wooten said, but it’s about more than just the money.

“It brings together friends, families, different businesses, churches — everyone into one group for one overnight event,” Wooten said. “People are aimed at celebrating the lives of those who have had cancer, remembering those who’ve lost the battle and fighting back against the disease.”

Wooten encouraged those interested in participating in 2012 Relay for Life or registering a team to visit www.relayforlife.org/pope.

Relay For Life began in 1985 with one man who walked and ran around a track for 24 hours and raised $27,000 for the ACS, according to the organization. This year, Relay For Life will take place in nearly 5,100 communities in the U.S. and 20 other countries and will raise funds to support the ACS’ mission of saving lives by helping people stay well, helping people get well, finding cures and fighting back.

To join Relay For Life or for more information, call (800) 227-2345, Walker at 970-2550 or Wooten at 264-6849. Relay for Life of Pope and Yell counties can be found on Facebook or Twitter at www.twitter.com/PopeYellRFL.